Jackson declares victory

By By Katherine Skiba

Nov 06, 2012 | 11:46 PM

U.S. Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. stands with a group of about 50 ministers and other religious leaders voicing support for his re-election campaign during an event at the Park 52 restaurant in February. (Alex Garcia, Chicago Tribune)

Though he is hospitalized with mental health problems and declined to campaign, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., claimed victory Tuesday in his re-election bid to the House of Representatives.

Jackson was leading with 64 percent of the vote in the 2nd Congressional District, based on unofficial returns with 66 percent of precincts counted.

Jackson, 47, a 17-year veteran of Congress who has bipolar disorder, issued a statement Tuesday from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., thanking voters.

“Once the doctors approve my return to work, I will continue to be the progressive fighter you have known for years,” Jackson said. “My family and I are grateful for your many heartfelt prayers and kind thoughts. I continue to feel better every day and look forward to serving you.”

He has been on medical leave and not appeared in the House since June 8. Nor did he stage a campaign event — or even run a TV ad. But Jackson did address voters in a recent robocall.

The congressman reportedly is under federal investigation over alleged misuse of campaign dollars. Meanwhile, his conduct in seeking a Senate appointment in 2008 is under review by the House Ethics Committee.

He is the son of civil rights leader the Rev. Jesse Jackson and spouse of Chicago Ald. Sandi Jackson, 7th.

Jackson was challenged by two opponents: Republican Brian Woodworth, 41, a college educator from Bourbonnais, and independent Marcus Lewis, 53, a Matteson postal worker. Neither had run for public office before.

The early vote totals suggested some erosion from his past levels of support. Jackson, first elected in a 1995 special election with 76 percent of the vote, coasted to victory in later elections with 81 to 94 percent of the balloting.

Jackson voted by absentee ballot. At his South Side polling place — Robert A. Black Magnet Elementary School, 7133 S. Coles Ave. — his five-month absence triggered talk among his constituency.

“I was talking to people in line, and everybody noticed he didn't campaign,” said Eric Rogers, 27, a University of Chicago employee with a master's degree in political sociology from the school.

Rogers cast a ballot but deliberately ignored the 2nd District race. “I don't feel right now that Jackson is in a position to be representing anybody,” he said.

Others urged that Jackson be given time — and compassion.

“Life is life,” said Irma Copeland, 77, a retired Chicago Public Schools teacher and assistant principal. “I'm sure there are lots of people who are bipolar, some diagnosed and some not, in the Congress, or who have health problems that are worse.”

Copeland and others said they saw no ads, heard no speeches and read no literature from any of the candidates.

That didn't bother Lemuel Carter, 27, a home health care aide who works for the state. “With (Jackson's) credentials, his standards and his work ethic, he can take as long as he wants,” Carter said. “His health is more important than anything else.”

In the robocall, Jackson said he was undergoing medical treatment for several serious health issues.

Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Ill., recently heralded his colleague as the “Derrick Rose of the Illinois delegation,” a nod to the Chicago Bulls star sidelined with a knee injury.

Not all agree. Critics say the community lacks a voice, a person to walk the streets and eyeball problems. The 2nd District stretches from the South Side to Kankakee.

Jackson advanced to the general election after defeating a one-term member of Congress, Debbie Halvorson, in a March primary.

Jackson aides have not said when he might return to work. The House has a lame-duck session beginning Nov. 13, and the new Congress will be sworn in Jan. 3. If Jackson does not take the oath of office, he may not cast House votes.

Aides said Jackson began treatment June 15 at Sierra Tucson in Arizona, transferred July 15 to Mayo and left the hospital in early September for Washington. He skipped a legislative session in September and was spotted drinking and dining out in Washington in October. He re-entered Mayo on Oct. 23.